Press Release

Secretary Gutierrez Statement on Hurricane Assistance for Cuba

WASHINGTON—U.S. Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez released the following statement regarding the U.S. Government’s efforts to allow increased contributions for Cuban hurricane relief through licensed non-governmental organizations and relief providers:

“We stand with the Cuban people at this difficult hour after the devastation caused by Hurricanes Gustav and Ike. We’re hopeful that the government of Cuba will put the welfare of their people above politics. Alleviating the considerable suffering of the Cuban people is the highest priority and we reiterate our offer to allow a USAID assessment team to travel to Cuba to assess the situation, which is an action we take in any country that has suffered a natural disaster. We are prepared to facilitate financial assistance from U.S. sources to the island.”

The U.S. Treasury Department is prepared to approve new licenses and amend existing licenses for the increased transfer of funds for hurricane relief on the island. This will enhance the ability of U.S. citizens to contribute to Cuban hurricane relief through licensed providers.

Secretary Gutierrez co-chairs the Commission for Assistance to a Free Cuba with Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, a U.S. Cabinet-level commission formed to explore ways the United States can help hasten and ease a democratic transition in Cuba. The American people are the largest providers of humanitarian aid to the Cuban people, having provided more than $240 million in donations in 2007. U.S. remittances are the largest source of direct support to the Cuban people.